Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: We don't have wireless Internet access in our classrooms yet. How could we use a web-based program?
A: iObservation has offline capability that allows you to conduct complete observations even without being connected to the Internet. Simply re-connect your laptop back in your office, and all offline data can be submitted. Or, if your classrooms contain desktop computers, you can log into iObservation from that classroom's hard-wired desktop to perform the walkthrough.
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Q: How and where is offline observation data stored?
A: iObservation data is stored in a Flash object. It is stored locally on your hard drive and will remain there even if the browser or computer is restarted.
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Q: Can iObservation be customized to accommodate our district- and state-mandated forms?
A: Yes. The iObservation™ system offers complete customization options that allow districts to digitize their current walk-through or observation form into the system in order to seamlessly incorporate existing language, focus, and initiatives. We also work with districts in developing look-fors that align with state teacher evaluations to connect formative assessments with summative observations. Additionally, the state teacher evaluation form itself may also be digitized so that the system serves as one centralized location for data collection and management.
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Q: What's the difference between iObservation and a program run on a handheld device such as a Palm Pilot?
A: iObservation is a robust—yet easy-to-use—system that provides rich content resources to help explicitly identify instructional strategies in order to advance teacher growth and promote effective teaching practices. While the small screen of a handheld provides a "check-list" of a limited number of items, iObservation provides a powerful and more meaningful experience for the observer and for the teacher through the use of research-based look-fors, exemplary videos, dialogue, rubrics, coaching tips, glossaries, calendars, the ability to attach supporting documents, and much more.
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Q: How much space on our school's servers will this software occupy?
A: None. There is no software to purchase and install, and no special hardware is required. It is compatible with any computer operating system—Windows or Macintosh. All data is accessed through the Internet.
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Q: Will iObservation work with an existing SIF specification?
A: An existing SIF setup works on a local LAN basis – information sharing between computers on the same network. iObservation, on the other hand, works across the Internet. SIF does not operate securely or reliably with Internet applications. Data from iObservation can be exported in CSV or XML format(s) to be used in other applications.
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Q: Is it secure? Can one teacher see another teacher's forms?
A: This system was designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of all data. No teacher can access another person's information—that ability resides only with the highest-level administrator.
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Q: Is this program difficult to learn?
A: The system has been designed for ease-of-use with user-friendly interfaces and common-sense functionality. iObservation offers comprehensive configuration and setup services that are seamlessly completed for schools and districts behind-the-scenes to prepare for immediate use of the iObservation™ system. Users will literally be able to logon and begin their activities with pre-configured data. Plus, our customer service and technical support professionals are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all continental US time zones.
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Q: Are there any time savings with iObservation?
A: Case studies have shown a significant time savings for principals and other administration personnel—as much as 50% or more. Convenient access to data and fast and easy document retrieval saves significant time, and automated reminders help complete observations in a timely and consistent manner. Your feedback is sent to the teacher immediately upon completing the walk-through—eliminating the need to schedule conferences at a later date. At the central office level, administrators stay involved with district-wide activities by quickly and easily generating a report on the frequency of observations conducted by school building for each observer.
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Q: What kinds of reports can this generate?
A: Real-time reports may be generated at the district, region/area, school building, observer, and teacher levels. Districts also have the option of selecting five (5) additional categories (customizable in the District Edition) that may be used for reporting, sorting, and searching. Possible categories include grade level, department, subject area, tenure status, or level of experience of teachers. Additionally, teacher observation data may be correlated with student achievement results to explore instructional strategies that impact student learning.
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Q: Can I access the database backend of iObservation in order to run my own queries?
A: While you cannot submit your own SQL queries directly to the iObservation application, data can be retrieved by exporting the raw data in CSV or XML format(s).
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Q: What funding sources can be used to purchase the system?
A: Since the iObservation™ system is a comprehensive professional development resource designed to advance professional growth, professional development funds may be used to support its purchase and implementation. Federal grants such as Title I, Title II, and Title V may be applicable, as well as state or federal technology funding sources. If you need assistance in preparing documentation for the purchasing process, including RFPs, system specifications, or sole source letter, please contact us.
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Q: What observation forms are available in the system and how were they developed?
A: There are more than 15 forms available to you in iObservation, developed according to research-based K-12 instructional strategies. Our LSI Walkthrough Forms—"High-Impact Instructional Strategies K-12," "Classroom Curriculum Design K-12" and "Classroom Management K-12"—are based on the work of Danielson, Marzano, Pressley, Reeves, Thompson, and Wong. Users will also have access to forms such as "Early Literacy: Guiding Principles and Language Development K-3," "Developing Independent Readers," "Differentiated Small Group Instruction," and more. In addition, the iObservation system offers complete customization options that allow districts to digitize their current walk-through or observation forms.
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If you have any other questions about iObservation, please call us at 1-877-411-7114 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all Continental US time zones), or email us any time.
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